Anna Leigh Waters and Andre Agassi Mixed Doubles: World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and tennis icon Andre Agassi are joining forces in mixed doubles this week in the 2025 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championship in Florida. Waters, 18, invited Agassi, 55, to help promote pickleball. Agassi recently celebrated his birthday and will make his professional pickleball appearance at this event.
A Unique Partnership for a Bigger Cause
Waters is one of the brightest stars in pickleball. Agassi is an eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion. Despite their different backgrounds, both share a deep passion for the fast-growing sport. Waters said she was nervous reaching out to Agassi but believed the partnership could make a real impact.
“Usually with people with Andre’s level of fame, I don’t get super nervous when I’m talking to them, but when I had my first call with Andre, kind of explaining what I wanted to do, I was so nervous talking to him. I was kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m talking to Andre Agassi on the phone. This is crazy,” shared Waters, during a joint video interview with Agassi hosted by CNBC’s Jessica Golden earlier this month.
“I was like, ‘It would be a great way to not only grow the sport, but also kind of show people how well we play together on the court,’ and luckily he said yes. I don’t know what I would’ve done if he said no, but I’m just super excited to have the opportunity to play with him and kind of help grow the sport.” – (Waters)
Agassi, who has played the game casually with family, was excited by the chance.
Training Before Competing
Before the match, Agassi and Waters met to practice. He wanted to make sure she knew what to expect.
“Pickleball has been such a big part of not just my life, but my family’s life for the last couple of years. I’ve seen what it’s done to our community here locally [in Las Vegas]. It’s given us a chance to grow even our friendships really. It’s such a community-driven activity that I got into it in a very authentic way. I just kept pushing myself. I was fascinated by the idea of having to unlearn a lot of things that were kind of drilled into my head over the years.” – (Agassi)
“When Anna Leigh called, I was like, ‘Let me come practice with you first so you know what you’re getting into.’ She’s probably sick of winning so much, and that’s why she called to ask me to play… For me to go out there and just do my best to stretch my skin, I mean, when was the last time you’ve ever done something for the first time? It’s fewer and further between.” – (Agassi)
Waters watched videos of Agassi playing pickleball before calling him. She believed he had strong potential. Their practice went well, and they seemed to match up in style.
“Just from a style of play, not from an ability level, we both tend to air on the aggressive side, and I think that works pretty well in this case. I just wanted Anna Leigh to know what I was and what I wasn’t capable of, what she can and what she cannot count on, and I figured once she puts that data in her mind, everything she’s given her life to will sort of organize it – and she seems to react in real time pretty darn well.” – (Agassi)
A New Challenge for Agassi
Although Agassi has competed at the highest levels of tennis, he admitted to feeling nervous.
“I’m sickly nervous, but I know that feeling pretty well over the years. However, in tennis, I’m much more familiar with how to direct those nerves, and so pickle is so nuanced and sensitive that if you don’t find a healthy place to put that blood pressure, you can kind of spook yourself. I’m going to do my best to be my best, and hope I don’t stop Anna Leigh from what I expect her to do, which is most of the work.” – (Agassi)
Winning isn’t the main goal for this team. Growing the game is what matters most.
“To a large degree, I probably have no business being out there, but the thing that overrides the potential of humiliating myself is the idea that we can really grow the sport. It’s been a passion of mine. This is just too good of an opportunity to pass up on.” – (Agassi)
Why It Matters
This partnership could give pickleball more global attention. With Waters at the top of the sport and Agassi bringing star power, the duo hopes to bring new fans and players into the game. Their effort shows how important teamwork and passion are in helping sports grow. If their match sparks curiosity and inspires others to play, they’ll consider it a win, no matter the score.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Andre Agassi Mixed Doubles
Anna Leigh Waters and Andre Agassi are teaming up for a mixed doubles pickleball match in the 2025 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championship in Florida. Waters, 18, invited Agassi, 55, to help grow the sport. While Agassi is new to pro pickleball, the duo hopes their partnership will draw attention and inspire new players worldwide.